Physical Description

There are three versions of the Long Service Labour Medal. The first is a circular medal constructed of oxidised bronze. The obverse bears a bust of Grand Duke Friedrich II, encompassed by the inscription "FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN", all within a border of laurel leaves. The reverse bears the inscription "FÜR TREUE ARBEIT" (for loyal labour) on a central plaque with arabesque detailing, a beehive and a variety of tools, encompassed by a border of oak leaves. On a horizontally elongated suspension with a red and yellow striped ribbon.

The second version is a circular medal constructed of bronze. The obverse bears a bust of Grand Duke Friedrich II, encompassed by the inscription "FRIEDRICH GROSSHERZOG VON BADEN", all within a border of laurel leaves. The reverse bears the inscription "FÜR TREUE ARBEIT" on a central plaque with arabesque detailing, a beehive and a variety of tools, encompassed by a border of oak leaves. On a horizontally elongated suspension with a red and yellow striped ribbon.

The third version is a circular medal constructed of coppered iron or coppered war material. The obverse bears a bust of Grand Duke Friedrich II, encompassed by the inscription "FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN", all within a border of laurel leaves. The reverse bears the inscription "FÜR TREUE ARBEIT" on a central plaque with arabesque detailing, a beehive and a variety of tools, encompassed by a border of oak leaves. On a horizontally elongated suspension with a red and yellow striped ribbon.

History

The Long Service Labour Medal was instituted by Grand Duke Friedrich I on November 11, 1895. It was conferred to workers and servants in recognition of 30 years of loyal service and maintenance of a dutiful attitude towards the fatherland. This included railroad workers, meadow overseers, workshop and warehouse workers, woodcutters, forest workers, goods overseers, salt workers, customs workers, and ferry workers.

The medal was nonreturnable and was worn before the Civil Merit Medal. Military service was also taken into account when awarding the Long Service Labour Medal.

Applications for the medal were made by the service lord and the award ceremony took place on the Grand Duke's birthday. Upon Grand Duke Friedrich I's death, the portrait of the medal was unchanged. It was felt that it was important to link the award to its creator.

There are three different versions of the Long Service Labour Medal. The first was awarded from 1896 to 1908, the second version was awarded from 1908 to 1916, and the third version was awarded from 1916 to 1918.